Support for electron discharge devices



Aug. 28, 1951 G. -M N. ROSE, JR 2,565,991

SUPPORT FOR ELECTRON DISCHARGE DEVICES Filed Dec. 28, 1948 INVENTORGEORGE McNEILL ROSE R h mw Patented Aug. 28, 195i SUPPORT FOR ELECTRONDISCHARGE DEVICES George McNeil] Rose, Jr., East Orange, N. J., assignorto Radio Corporation of America, a corporation of Delaware ApplicationDecember 28, 1948, Serial No. 67,648

.16 Claims. (01. 250-36) The present invention relates to supports forelectron discharge devices and more particularly to a support andcontact member engaging a flat contact extending through the envelope ofsuch devices.

Certain types of ultra high frequency electron discharge devicescomprise a structure including cylindrical end portions, each serving asthe lead to an electrode within the device, and a disc sealed across theenvelope of the device intermediate its ends for supporting anotherelectrode and serving as a low impedance lead therefor. Devices of thistype may be used in lumped or open line circuits, or in cavity typecircuits.

Several problems arise in connection with the use of a device of thetype referred to in either of the lumped or cavity type circuitsmentioned. One problem concerns the requirement for an adequatemechanical support for the device. Such support is required to bemechanically firm and positive without applying damaging mechanicalforces to the device. The support should therefore have thecharacteristics of a cushion. The problem of providing a support that isboth firm and cushioning is aggravated by the irregular exterior contourof a device of the type under consideration resulting from the use of adisc lead sealed through the walls of the envelope thereof.

Special problems are presented where the device is used in cavity typeoscillator circuits with the grid supported on the disc lead and thecathode and anode leads taken from opposite ends of the device andserving as inputs and outputs therefor.

To sustain the oscillations in a system of this type it is usuallynecessary to provide for feedback from the anode or output resonator tothe cathode or input resonator. If the grid disc lead is supported sothat its periphery engages the inner walls of the cavity, failure ofenergy transfer from the anode circuit to the cathode circuit results,so that operation of the oscillator is seriously impaired. Hence, thesupport of the device should be accomplished in such a manner so as notto substantially impair the feedback coupling between the input andoutput elements of the oscillator.

Another special problem arising in the use of a disc seal type ofelectron discharge device in a cavity type oscillator is that ofsecuring appropriate alignment of the device with contact members oncoaxial transmission lines. Usually the end leads of the device servingthe cathode and anode, respectively, are received exteriorly of thedevice by tubular contact members forming part of a transmission line,which are sometimes improperly aligned with respect to each other andthe cavity member. This misalignment may occur either prior to mountinga device in the cavity or after the oscillator is fully assembled. Ifthe engagement between the device and the cavity member is rigid and thecontact members referred to are misaligned, harmful strains may be setup in the device which may fracture it. It is therefore desirable thatthe device be supported in a sufficiently rigid, yet resilient, mannerin the cavity.

Accordingly, it is the object of the invention to provide an improvedsupport for engaging an electron discharge device employing an annularlead and contact.

Another object is to provide an improved support for a disc seal type ofelectron discharge device.

It is a further object to provide a combined support and electricalcoupling member for a disc seal type of electron discharge device havingimproved support and coupling characteristics.

Another object is to provide a support structure for engaging the discof a disc seal type of electron discharge device wherein the engagementbetween the support and the disc is mechanically positive and resilientand provides a desired type of electrical contact between the disc andthe support.

A further object is to provide a support for an electron dischargedevice mounted in a cavity resonator for providing oscillations, whereinsaid support permits feedback coupling between the output and inputelements of the device.

Another object is to provide a support and coupling structureintermediate a disc type of electrode lead of an electron dischargedevice and a circuit element wherein the support and coupling structureengages the lead in a positive mechanical manner against displacementand provides line contacts with the circuit element for improvedelectrical coupling between portions of said element for providingdesired feedback between input and output electrodes of said device.

A further object is to provide a support for a disc seal type ofelectron discharge device that combines many advantages or features inthat it is relatively simple in structure, contributes to ease inmounting a device thereon, positively engages a portion of the devicefor firmly yet yieldingly supporting the same, and provides a desiredtype of electrical coupling in special applications of the device.

Further objects and advantages will become evident as the descriptioncontinues.

While the invention is pointed out with par- LAJU ticularity in theappended claims, it may be best understood by the following descriptionof embodiments thereof taken in connection with the appended drawing inwhich:

Figure 1 shows a type of electron discharge device with which my novelsupport may be used;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of my novel support element;

Figure 3 depicts a fiat blank from which my support is formed;

Figure 4 shows my novel support element engaging an electron tube thatmay be used in an open circuit;

Figure 5 is a cross section along the lines 5-5 of Figure 4 and showsmore clearly the manner in which my novel support engages a disc lead ofan electron discharge device;

Figure 6 shows my support employed for supporting an electron dischargedevice in a cavity type of circuit; and,

Figure 7 depicts a section along the lines 'I--'I of Figure 6 andindicates the engagement between my support and an electron dischargedevice and between my support and the inner wall of a cavity.

Referring now in more detail to the drawing, there is shown in Figure 1an ultra high frequency electron discharge device of the disc seal typewith which my novel support element is suited for use. The device shownis a triode having a cathode In supported on cathode lead I I.

and anode I2 supported on anode lead I3, and a grid I4 supported on gridlead I5. The envelope of the device includes glass beads I6 and I1 andflanges I8 and I9 provided on adjacent ends of the cathode and anodeleads II and I3.

The grid lead I5 is in the form of a metal disc sealed through theenvelope walls formed by the glass beads I6 and I! and is provided witha central aperture I5a shown in Figure 5 within which grid I4 issupported. The grid lead I5 extends appreciably beyond the side walls ofthe device as a result of which the device is given an irregular shape.

Heretofore electron discharge devices of this type have been supportedby transmission lines engaging the anode and cathode leads I I and I3,but no adequate support has been available for the intermediate portionof the device where most of its weight is concentrated and whereaccordingly a support is needed most. In some instances, in an attemptto secure the desired support, the perimeter of the disc support for thegrid has been disposed in contact with the outer member of a resonantline, but such contact has interfered with proper operation of theresonant system, particularly as concerns an effective feedback couplingbetween the input and output elements of the system where the systemcomprises a cavity type oscillator, and has resulted in harmful strainsin the device when the transmission lines and the outer member of theresonant line are out of alignment.

According to the invention a novel and effective support is provided forthe disc extending from an intermediate portion of a disc seal type ofelectron discharge device that preserves the device against strains andalso results in a minimum impairment of an appropriate feedback couplingwhen the device is employed in a cavity type oscillator. My novelsupport comprises a polygonal structure 20, made of some elastic metalsuch as Phosphor bronze, beryllium copper or spring steel, punched outas shown in Figure 2 to provide slots 2 I, which are slightly wider thanthe thickness of the disc lead I5. The overall di mensions of thesupport element are such that the element fits snugly around the disclead I5 with a portion of the disc entering the slots 2| as shown inFigures 4 and 5. While the structure of my novel support element isshown as comprising a polygon having eight sides, my invention is notlimited to a structure having this particular number of sides. Indeed,my support may have a larger or smaller number of sides than eight, andall the sides need not be fiat, subject to the limitations to bedescribed herein. In addition to having a critical width, the slots 2Iare also provided with a critical length. This length is such that theshorter edges of the slots bear against the periphery of disc I5 in linecontacts when an electron discharge device is mounted on the support 20as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The exterior corners 24 on my supportstructure, shown in Figs. 2 and 5, engage a further support 23 shown inFigs. 4 and 5, which may be a circuit element. This engagement it willbe noted is also in line contacts. The line contacts represent anadvantageous form of electrical coupling of my support with the disclead I5 and also in certain applications with the further support 23.For example, where the further support is a cavity 25, shown in Figs. 6and 7, the novel engagement of my support 20 with cavity is particularlyadvantageous as will appear more fully herein in the description of theuse of my support in a cavity type oscillator.

My novel support is stamped from sheet metal strip stock 22 shown inFigure 3 and the slots 2| are provided therein at predeterminedlongitudinal locations therein. The strip stock is then out topredetermined length to provide a strip having a sufficient length forthe formation thereof into a polygonal structure shown in Figure 2. Thepolygonal structure is formed by using a suitable forming tool, notshown, having the desired polygonal shape. The ends of the structure arepreferably formed to include a portion of a slot 2| resulting in an openended slot at each end of the structure for engaging the disc l5.

The electron discharge device is mounted on my novel support byspreading the support at the ends thereof so that it is permitted toembrace the periphery of the disc I5, and to receive a portion of theperiphery in the slots 2|. The elasticity of the material of which thesupport 20 is made permits a temporary expansion of the structurewithout exceeding its elastic limit for the mounting of the electrondischarge device thereon and results in a firm yet cushioned engagementof the disc I5 by the support.

It will thus be noted that my novel support is economical to makebecause of its unitary structure and the relatively small amount ofstock material required in its fabrication. In addition, it permits themounting of an electron discharge device thereon to be relatively easilyaccomplished. Furthermore, it firmly engages an electron dischargedevice supported thereby in line contacts and is designed to maintainthis engagement as a result of the elasticity of the materialconstituting it, and also engages a further support or circuit elementin line contacts.

Other advantages of my novel support will become evident from thefollowing descriptions of two applications thereof.

One application of my novel support is in connection with the use of adisc seal type of electron discharge device in lumped or open linecirouits. Such use is shown in Figures 4 and 5. In

this application no support is provided for the cathode and anode leadsII and I3 and my novel support structure advantageously serves as thesole support of the device by engaging the disc l thereon as explainedbefore herein. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, my support 20 engages theperiphery of disc l5, and a ring support 23 which may be a circuitelement engages the outer corners 24 formed on my suport 20. A firm yetcushioned engagement between my support 20 and the disc l5 and betweenthe support 20 and the ring support 23 results. It will be noted that inthis application the periphery of the disc l5 does not engage the ringsupport 23 but that a space is provided between these elements, whichspace is bridged by the corner portions of my novel support element forproviding a cushioned and firm intermediate body between the ringsupport 23 and the disc l5. While a ring type of supplementary support23 has been shown for engaging my novel support element in anapplication involving an open line circuit, the supplementary supportmay take any other suitable form that circumstances may require.

Another application of my novel support is in connection with a cavitytype circuit utilizing a cavity 25 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Mysupport element is particularly advantageous in this application. Notonly does it firmly and at the same time in a cushioning manner supportthe intermediate portion of a disc seal type of electron dischargedevice in the cavity in much the same manner as it does in the open linecircuit application previously referred to, but the polygonal structureof my support element and the slots therein, provide the required typecontacts between the support 20 and the disc I 5 as well as between thesupport 20 and the cavity 25. In cavity type oscillator circuits, suchas are shown in Figures 6 and '7, provision is often needed forelectrical feedback to sustain the oscillations. This feedback occursbetween portions of the cavity 25, on opposite sides of disc 15.Feedback energy must therefore traverse the region of the cavity 25adjacent the support 20. If the support 20 engages the cavity in anuninterrupted contact the energy in one end portion of the cavity isshielded from the energy in the other end portion thereof. My novelsupport element contacts the grid disc and the cavity 25 only in lineengagements as previously mentioned and therefore provides paths betweenthe engagements for feedback from one end portion of the cavity to theother end portion thereof. The line engagement between the disc [5 andmy support is provided by the corners formed on the shorter edges of theslots 2| in my support, which corners engage the periphery of the disc[5 in sharp line contacts. The line engagement between the support andthe cavity is provided by the outer corners 24 formed between the sidesof the polygonal structure of my support element.

The amount of the feedback referred to is determined by the number ofsides provided in my polygonal shaped support and also by its width.Thus feedback coupling is magnified by decreasing the number of sides onmy support and narrowing the width thereof. The coupling is decreased byincreasing the number of sides on my support and widening the strip ofwhich it is made. Thus, the degree of feedback coupling may becontrolled to obtain a desired coupling by properly designing thesupport with a critical number of sides and a predetermined width. Ihave found a support structure having eight sides and a width of about 6provides a firm yet cushioned support and results in a desired feedbackcoupling in the cavity type oscillator circuit in which it is employed.

It will be appreciated therefore that I have provided a novel supportelement for a disc seal type of electron discharge device which combinesthe features of cushioned mechanical support and in addition when thedevice is used in cavity circuits, provides a convenient means forcontrolling the feedback coupling. The elasticity of the material of mysupport element causes it to deform slightly against tension when anelectron discharge device is mounted thereon so that pressure is exertedagainst both the disc on the electron discharge device which it engagesas well as on the inner walls of a cavity or other member with which itis desired to associate the device. This elasticity of my novel supportin addition relieves strain resulting from misaligned circuit elements.It is within the purview of the invention to so choose the dimensions ofthe support element that an electron discharge device is very firmlyheld in position with a minimum of radial pressure. With the dimensionsthereof properly chosen for a particular use the combined support andcoupling structure of the invention contributes substantially to goodoperation of the system in which it is used.

Various modifications may be made in the invention without departingfrom its spirit and scope as pointed out in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An electgi ca l gontact member for a disc comprising a structiireh'aving a plurality of sides, at least one of said sides having a slottherein for receiving a portion of said disc, said structure being undertension when said disc is received thereby and means engaging saidcontact member for further support of said disc.

2. A support for a disc in a tubular structure comprising a polygonalmember made of a material yieldably resistant to deformation of saidstructure, said member having flat sides and relatively sharp corners,said fiat sides having slots therein for receiving edge portions of saiddisc, and said corners adapted to engage the inner wall of said tubularstructure.

3. A support for a disc seal type of electron discharge devicecomprising a metallic ribbon bent to form a tubular structure having aplurality of sides with the wider surfaces of said ribbon extendingparallel to the axis of said tubular structure, one of said sides havinga slot therein for receiving a portion of a disc sealed across saiddevice for supporting said device.

4. A support for a flanged type of electron discharge device comprisinga sheet metal member having slots for receiving edged portions of theflange on said device, said sheet metal member being bent to form outercorners, and means engaging said outer corners for providing a firmcushioned support for said device.

5. A support for a disc seal type of electron discharge devicecomprising a one-piece sheet metal structure having a plurality ofstraight sides and bends forming corners, said straight sides havingslots therein for receiving edge portions of a disc sealed across theenvelope of said device, an additonal support member, the outer cornersof said first-mentioned support engaging said additional support memberwhereby said device is supported in a cushioned and adequately firmmanner on said additional support member.

6. A support for a disc seal type of electron ing a fixed support memberand a cushioning. member, said cushioning member having apertures forreceiving spaced portions of said projection, said fixed supportengaging spaced portions of said cushioning member, said spaced portionsof said projection being angularly ofiset with respect to the spacedportions of said cushioning member, whereby a free space is providedalong all radial lines from the center of said annular projection,between said fixed support and said projection for firmly supportingsaid device and protecting it from shocks. 7 8. A cushioned support foran electron discharge device comprising an inner member and anoutermember, said inner member having slotted planar portions engaging saiddevice said planar portions being angularly disposed with respect toeach other to form ridges, said ridges being spaced from said device,said outer member being spaced from said slotted planar portions andcontacting said ridges, whereby said support provides a free space inall radial directions from the center of said device and between saiddevice and said outer member for effectively protecting said deviceagainst shocks. 9. A cavity type oscillatg ingluding an electrodischarge devi'cejeftubular cavity, and means for supporting said devicein said cavity, said means comprising a structure made of sheet metaland havinga predetermined number of slotted planar sides for receivingportions of said device in line contacts and outer corners formed byadjacent planar sides for engaging the inner walls of said cavity inline contacts, whereby said device is supported in a firm and cushionedmanner in,

said cavity and a desired mutual coupling between the input and outputelements of said.

oscillator is provided.

10. In a cavity type oscillator including a flangedelectromiscfiargdevice-and a tubular cavityymeans for supporting saiddevicein said cavity and providing a feedback coupling between input andoutput elements of said oscillator, comprising a polygonal structuremade of sheet metal and having slots for receiving portions of theflange on said device, and outer corners for engaging inner walls ofsaid cavity in line contacts, whereby an effective electrical couplingbetween spaced portions of said cavity is provided for required feedbackto sustain oscillations in said oscillator, and said device iseffectively supported in a cushioned manner in said cavity.

11. A support member for an electron disbetween said support member anda portion of said device is provided, said structure being formed withthe ends of said elongated sheet metal strip free and meeting to formone side of said structure whereby said support member is expandable forthe mounting thereon of said device and said ends are supported on saiddevice.

12. A contact member for supporting an electron discharge device betweentwo energy zones in a cylindrical cavity, and having a plurality ofsides joined in bends, the outer corners of said bends; lying in acircular array having a diameter to cause said corners to snugly engagethe inner wall of said cavity, whereby a portion of said contact memberis displaced from said inner wall, to

ermit energy transfer between said zones.

13. A cavity type oscillator including a tubular cavity, an electrondischarge device having a cathode, anode and grid, leads for saidcathode and anode extending through end portions of said cavity forproviding oscillating energy zones therein, a lead for said gridextending from said electron discharge, device intermediate said endportions, and means for supporting said grid lead on the inner wall ofsaid cavity, said means engaging said wall in spaced line contactsextending parallel to the axis of said cavity, whereby passageways areprovided by said means and said inner wall of said cavity between saidenergy zone for feedback coupling between said zones.

14. A cavity resonator comprising a first device for supporting andcontacting a second device, said second device having a flat annularcontact member, said first device including a tubular member, and acontact device supported within said tubular member and in contacttherewith, said contact devicecomprising a ribbon-like conductor havingfiat sides, said flat sides having slots for receiving the edges of saidfiat annular contact member.

.15. A cavity resonator comprising a first device for supporting andcontacting a second device, said second device having a flat contactmember extending around the periphery thereof, said first deviceincluding a tubular member, and a contact device supported Within saidtubular member and in contact therewith, said contact device comprisinga strip-like conductor having fiat sides, said flat sides having slotsfor receiving the edges of said flat contact member.

16. A cavity resonator comprising a first device for supporting andcontacting a second device, said second device having a fiat contactmember extending around the periphery thereof, said first deviceincluding a tubular member, and a contact device supported within saidtubular member, said contact device comprising a ribbon-like conductorhaving slots therein for receiving the edges of said fiat contact memberand longitudinal portions between said slots, said contact device atsaid longitudinal portions thereof being spaced from said fiat contactmember and in contact with said tubular member.

GEORGE MCNEILL ROSE, JR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,268,567 Hamm June 4, 1918 1;2,408,355. Turner Sept. 24, 1946 112,462,866 Hotine Mar. 1, 1949

